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HP Fic: Missives (HBP Spoilers!)

Be warned: Here be Spoilers for Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince!

I got HBP Saturday afternoon (when it was delivered), and finished reading it Sunday morning. This morning, I woke up at 2:30am with Dumbledore, McGonagall, and Snape whispering in my ears, and this was the result. As it’s the first time since December that I’ve been able to get anything from the HP characters, I was more than happy to indulge them right then and there.

Author’s Note: Yes, there may easily be a sequel to this, dealing with Harry and Snape. Any interest?

Missives
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Minerva McGonagall

Minerva McGonagall took a deep breath as she sat down behind the Headmast– behind her desk, and leaned forward to bury her head in her hands. So much had happened over the past week; she could hardly believe Albus had gone, much less how he had gone. Even knowing that Harry had told the truth, she could still scarce credit it.

Yes, she knew about Severus’s past; she was a member of the Order of the Phoenix, after all, as well as having been one of the younger man’s teachers. But even though she knew that at one point, Severus had joined Voldemort’s Death Eaters, even though she was perfectly aware that he still resented what he had gone through when he was a student here, she had believed that his loyalty to Albus had been genuine.

How could Severus have killed him?

Taking another deep breath, she sat back up. There was no real time to dwell on the issue, not right now; she had a meeting with the Board of Governors in a little over half an hour, and she needed to find Albus’s contingency plans. She knew he had some drawn up; he’d made a point of mentioning that to her at the beginning of the last school year, and then again at the beginning of this one…

Placing both hands on… the desk, she started to stand up…

…And then froze, as there was a flurry of sparks, and a glamour faded away from the top of the desk, revealing an envelope sitting there, her name on the front in a vivid purple ink, in Albus’s writing.

Sitting back down, she carefully picked the envelope up, opened it, and began to read.

Dear Minerva,

I realize that what has happened must have come as quite the shock to you, but I have one very important request to make of you: Do not believe that the appearance of the events surrounding my death are the reality.

Yes, Minerva, I am fully aware as I write this letter to you that I will be dying a scant few hours from now. I am not certain of the exact method, but I know that everyone will believe that it was with malice aforethought, by Severus’s hand.

It is not.

Yes, it is Severus who will deliver what appears to be the killing blow, either by the potion he prepared last week that seems to be a healing potion, but is in fact a very fast-acting poison, or by some other method, perhaps even the killing curse.

What you need to know, however, is that Severus does this only under extreme protest, at my orders.

Yes, Minerva, it is at my orders. Not request; Severus would never have agreed to that. His loyalty, like yours, and like young Mr. Potter’s, is true to me; truer, in fact, than I deserve sometimes.

This past summer, young Mr. Malfoy was ordered to arrange my death before the end of this school year. His mother Narcissa, who in some ways has more sense than either her husband or her sister, does not want her son to become a murderer, and is fully aware that Mr. Malfoy is incapable of overcoming my defenses unless I am already incapacitated. He has already made two attempts: the cursed necklace that resulted in Miss Bell’s stay at St. Mungo’s, and the poisoned mead that nearly killed young Mr. Weasley.

Before the beginning of the school year, Narcissa went to Severus, and pleaded with him to do something about the orders Voldemort gave Mr. Malfoy. Severus’s solution – partially due to the fact that Bellatrix Lestrange had accompanied her sister, I believe, and partially due to the fact that he felt the need to convince Voldemort of his sincerity – was to take an Unbreakable Vow to fulfill Mr. Malfoy’s orders in case he was unable to.

Minerva gasped in shock as she read that last. An Unbreakable Vow? What had Severus been thinking?!

I have, of course, been aware of Mr. Malfoy’s orders since the start of the school year; Severus informed me of them when he stayed to speak with me after the staff meeting before the children’s arrival. (Unfortunately, I had not anticipated that Mr. Malfoy might have arranged for an unwitting accomplice; in case no one has done so already, it may be wise to have Madam Rosmerta at the Three Broomsticks checked for the Imperius Curse. It has only recently occurred to me that Mr. Malfoy’s two attempts thus far have involved the Three Broomsticks in one way or another.) I was not aware that Severus had taken an Unbreakable Vow until Mr. Potter told me of a conversation he overheard just before Christmas, and from what Severus told me when I spoke to him about it, I have reason to believe that he intended to obtain all the information he could through Voldemort’s increased confidence in him… and then let the Vow kill him when he prevented Mr. Malfoy from killing me.

I know you will not like this fact, Minerva, but it is nonetheless true: my only role in this second war against Voldemort, the only true importance I have, is to protect Mr. Potter and teach him as much as I can about both Voldemort and his own power. Severus’s role is more important than mine; he has not only protected Mr. Potter from Voldemort’s attempts numerous times (and has done so yet again, I suspect), but with my death, will be trusted even further by Voldemort, which gives him not only access to additional information about Voldemort’s plans, but also the potential ability to weaken Voldemort’s power from within.

All this means that the lives of both Mr. Potter and Severus are more valuable to our world than my own, and I could not allow Severus to die for me.

Moreover, I also have reason to believe that any death I may receive at Severus’s hands in the next few hours will be a relief for me. I have just summoned Mr. Potter to accompany me on a task that I suspect will result in a slow, painful death for me. I cannot tell you what we go to do, I fear – that must remain between Mr. Potter and myself, unless he chooses to tell you – but it will quite likely prove to be a turning point in this war, and my death will have been worth it. And truthfully, I would prefer the quick death Severus will give me, rather than the one I face otherwise.

Now, to return to the point of this letter…

I ask that you do you best to ensure that Severus is protected to the best of your ability. I know that he will have fled Hogwarts – not only has Mr. Potter undoubtedly seen him kill me, but the curse that Voldemort placed on the Defense position still holds – but there are ways (other than those used by the Order) that you can use to remain in contact. (They are detailed in my contingency plans, spelled to be visible only to you or Mr. Potter.)

This is something I cannot order you to do; it is completely up to you. No matter what you decide, Severus will find some way to continue to weaken Voldemort’s forces; it will simply be easier for both him and the Order (and Mr. Potter) if he has some way to communicate both information he gains and his own plans.

Please do your best to take care of the school, and know that I cared for you all, Minerva.

— Albus Dumbledore

P.S. You may need to show this letter to Mr. Potter to convince him that Severus is truly still loyal to me. If so, please inform him that what Severus did before he returned to me – which was, in truth, but one of the things that convinced me that he was truly repentant for what he did in joining Voldemort – was what sowed the seeds that will be Voldemort’s defeat.

Minerva took a third deep breath as she finished reading the letter. She was in shock at the revelations within… but she could not help but be relieved as well. Albus had trusted Severus, and the thought that he had betrayed that trust had hurt almost as much as Albus’s death. To know that he hadn’t, that he was still loyal… while it didn’t reduce the grief and pain that came with Albus’s death, it at least dealt with that pain of betrayal.

A glance up at the clock showed her that she had little time left to search for the contingency plans before the meeting. Folding the letter up, she slipped it into a hidden pocket inside her robes – she suspected that she would have to show it to young Mr. Potter, all things considered – and stood up to begin her search.

Severus Snape

Severus Snape leaned against the doorframe of the small hut and looked up at the night sky.

He was numb. He had been for a long time; ever since Dumbledore had confronted him about the Unbreakable Vow he had given Narcissa in order to protect Draco.

He’d been fully aware, from the moment Narcissa had made her request, that there were only two choices: either Dumbledore would die, or he would. He had planned everything carefully, to ensure that both Dumbledore and Draco lived: he would wait until Draco had come up with a plan that would stand a reasonable chance of succeeding – if necessary, he would help Draco do so – and then he would interfere at the last minute. Breaking the Vow would kill him, but Dumbledore would still be alive, and Voldemort’s displeasure would focus on him, rather than the Malfoy heir.

Despite Dumbledore’s orders, he had still been prepared to do that the moment he’d come out on the roof of the tower to find the confrontation he’d feared in progress. He knew that Dumbledore had left the school on a dangerous mission, and he had noticed that the Headmaster was clearly unwell, but he was certain that he could have taken care of that.

Only Dumbledore had looked at him, and had asked him, pleaded with him, to fulfill the Vow.

Knowing that Draco was still asleep – the boy was miserable at faking it – Severus buried his head in his hands. He almost wished he hadn’t protected himself from Potter’s spells; it was only the fact that he needed to protect both boys, Draco and Potter, which had kept him from letting his defenses drop.

Well, that, and the rage he’d felt even through the numbness at how Potter had used his book, and his spells. That hadn’t changed. He might have to protect the Potter boy, but that didn’t mean that he despised the brat any less. So like his father, always looking for the easy way, using other people’s work to support and bolster up his own…

Enough. Potter’s alive, and not captured by Voldemort. Draco’s alive, and still as safe as he can be. You’ve done your job for now.

For now. But what about the future? With… Albus dead, he had no way to communicate with the Order – and even if he did, there was no way they would trust him. He had little doubt that Potter had been only too happy to relate the events that had taken place on the tower top…

Well, perhaps not happy, Severus admitted to himself. Despise Potter as he did, he couldn’t deny the fact that the brat was loyal to Dumbledore. But he’s undoubtedly feeling all-too-justified in his hatred of me now…

Abruptly, a flicker of warmth ran across his ribs, and Severus started. It was a familiar sensation, but one he’d never expected to feel again…

Reaching into his inner pocket – the spell always placed whatever item was used in the pocket closest to his skin – Severus felt the distinctive texture of parchment. Drawing it out, he was vaguely surprised to see his name on the front of the folded sheet in Minerva McGonagall’s flowing script.

How did Minerva know this spell? And why would she be writing to me using it…?

Unfolding the sheet, Severus started to read through the letter.

Severus,

I imagine you are at least somewhat surprised to receive a letter from me, much less in this fashion, considering all that has happened over the past week and a half…

I know what happened, Severus. Albus left me a letter of his own, detailing Mr. Malfoy’s situation and your own, as well as the fact that you were obeying his orders that night.

I must admit that it hurts that you were able to do what you did; but knowing you as I do (and it was quite the relief to find out that I do know you, that Mr. Potter was wrong about you returning to Voldemort’s service), I suspect that you are equally hurt at having been forced into that situation in the first place.

At present, I have chosen not to tell anyone else the truth. If you wish me to, please let me know who you trust enough to be told. Albus’s letter suggested that I inform Mr. Potter, but while I would like to do that – it is hard to see what the past week and a half has done to him – I will do so not without your permission.

Albus has left me details on the various methods you used to communicate with him when it was unsafe for you to deal directly with the old crowd, as you have no doubt guessed from the method of delivery of this letter. Please feel free to communicate whatever you feel necessary to me using those methods. And should you feel the need, I would not object to receiving the occasional letter-chat; I will miss our debates terribly until it is safe for you to return.

Slughorn is currently Acting Head of Slytherin, and has agreed to continue teaching Potions next year – assuming the Board agrees to let us remain open. That is still something they are debating, and it is irritating me to no end. Any information you can give me about the safety of the school would be more than appreciated.

Until our next communiqué,

— Minerva

Severus stared at the letter for a long moment, shocked, before he returned his gaze to the stars. This was something that would require a great deal of thought.

For reviews, feel more than free to comment here, or email me at tagwriter@gmail.com. Any type of reviews save flames are welcome (flames will be put out by a judicious application of Aguamenti); constructive criticism is more than encouraged.

7 thoughts on “HP Fic: Missives (HBP Spoilers!)”

oh, finally! someone who also believes snape is good! every single friend I asked was in the full belief that snape is a murderous betrayer. >_< I keep telilng them, read between the lines. thank you for writing this, and sharing! (:

your snape is very well-written, by the way. ^_^ the bit about his anger at harry using his book is so very fitting, and Snape-ish.

it’s a good piece, all things considered, though by itself it seems… incomplete. it reads like an illustration/elaboration on your views on HBP, or a prologue to a longer series (don’t make it a SS/HP, though. it doesn’t seem very right to have pairings in this one, somehow – unless it’s HP/DM! which is always fitting. :p) a sequel built on this would be a good thing to wrap it up with.

sorry if this offends you in any way, I was trying for ‘construstive comments’. not criticism, because there isn’t anything much to criticise. ^_^ oh yes, found my way here from merula’s LJ. hello. *waves*

Thank you very much for the comments (yeah, I’d say they qualify as constructive – don’t worry, the only thing that offends me are badly written flames – and I’m glad to know you thought it was that good), and you will no doubt be happy to know that Chapter 1 of the sequel (called Correspondence, AKA Letters #2) is already in progress. I think it’s going to be something of a mentor fic, and no need to worry, no pairings will be happening (Harry/Ginny included :p – more mature or not, I still don’t care for Ginny). Harry and Snape are both going to be too busy/pre-occupied for any kind of romance…

Glad you like the bit about Snape’s anger regarding the book. My beta pointed out that, despite what Hermione says in HBP, using the book wasn’t exactly cheating – but I think Snape would see it that way even if he didn’t despise Harry.

Hoping to get the draft of Chp. 1 up by sometime next week… (Assuming Kenshin and Saitô, my two favourite swordsmen, continue to be so cooperative…)

oh, finally! someone who also believes snape is good! every single friend I asked was in the full belief that snape is a murderous betrayer. >_< I keep telilng them, read between the lines. thank you for writing this, and sharing!

Reading between the lines is good…

The minute Snape stepped out onto the top of the tower, I knew that he was going to kill Dumbledore… and my mind started pointing out the reasons why Dumbledore would have arranged it that way, most of which are listed in the story… I just can’t see Snape as actually being on Voldemort’s side.

*grins* when I read that scene, I was also frantically identifying all the reasons why things would happen that way… one of the biggest factors that had me convinced was that dumbledore, when he pleade with snape, didn’t say exactly *what* he was pleading for, right? ^_^ I grabbed onto that and went on from there. I can’t imagine snape betraying dumbledore like that, either.

you know, I wouldn’t mind if it somehow became a DM/HP. ^____^ but yeah, keeping it no-pairing is a good choice, as you can focus on the other stuff better.

your snape is nice and snarky, keep him that way! he does still dislike harry, after all. nothing changes that. and he *is* a very proud man, to have his book used by harry of all people…

kenshin and saito? ;_; what about soujirou? the boy with no emotions and an eternal smile? don’t you like him? *pats soujirou comfortingly*

you know, I wouldn’t mind if it somehow became a DM/HP. ^____^ but yeah, keeping it no-pairing is a good choice, as you can focus on the other stuff better.

I’m afraid that Draco is not one of my favourite characters. I can see him turning to the “Light” side, and possibly becoming allies with Harry, maybe even friends, but nothing more than that. *shrug* At the moment, I’m not sure how Draco’s going to turn out in this… I’m currently focused on Harry getting the news…

kenshin and saito? ;_; what about soujirou? the boy with no emotions and an eternal smile? don’t you like him?

*shrug* Like Draco, I can take or leave Sôjirô.

I tend to have maybe two or three favourite characters in a series… For HP, Snape and Harry; for RK, Kenshin(/Battôsai) and Saitô; for GW, Heero and Duo, etc. They’re the ones I concentrate on in my writing. I do use other characters, of course (my stories would be rather boring if there were just two characters in them), but my favourites definitely get the majority of the time (and perils, and angst, etc. *EG*).

one of the biggest factors that had me convinced was that dumbledore, when he pleaded with snape, didn’t say exactly *what* he was pleading for, right? ^_^ I grabbed onto that and went on from there.

Right! And considering the way Dumbledore was talking on the street outside the Three Broomsticks, and how he most emphatically didn’t want Madam Pomfrey… And I know I’ve read a few fics so far that make the argument that the expression on Snape’s face was hatred and revulsion for the fact that he had to kill Dumbledore, rather than emotions directed at Dumbledore…

your snape is nice and snarky, keep him that way!

Oh, I will. Wait until you read his reply to McGonagall! (Coming in Chp. 1 of Conversations.)

*grin* I knew I wouldn’t be disappointed. As always, your characterizations are spot on and you manage to fit into the world of the books very well.

I would like to think that Snape isn’t as bad as he’s shown, but after reading an interview with Rowling about this book, I’m afraid she might not see it that way. Then again, she might be misleading us… who knows? I’ve seen every possible theory… Like- Snape and Dumbledore had switched places, via Polyjuice potion and Dumbledore killed Snape- and yes that person had found things to back up that one! I have never read so much speculation about anything!

I don’t know. I’ll be very disappointed if JKR has Snape really be evil in Book 7, not only because I’m terribly fond of him, but also because I think it would be a huge waste of an excellent character. Snape has spent over 5 books now trying to teach Harry (not in the best of ways, admittedly, but you don’t even have to do much reading between the lines to get it) responsibility, accountability, and the fact that life is not black and white. That’s part of the reason I was so happy to discover that he was a spy in Goblet of Fire – it meant that he himself was proof that things weren’t always as clear-cut as they might seem.

Okay, end of rant…

Chapter 1 of the sequel seems to be coming along well… I hope to have it up here sometime next week.